Frequently Asked Questions
What is the date of the race for 2018?
The Irish 3/4 Marathon will be run on Sunday, 7th October 2018 – Starting time is 10.00 am
How can I enter the event?
2018 Event Entry HERE
Name changes will be permitted for free But Only Permitted up to Monday 24th September 2018
Please do not attempt to run the race under anyone else’s number as this messes up results and often prize allocation, etc
Future Entry for this event Will Be Refused to anyone who uses someone else’s number of permits their number to be used by anyone else after 24th Sept changes deadline
What race is being held?
The race is a three-quarter-marathon – Distance is 19.664 miles or 31.646 km
Where is the Irish 3/4 Marathon Based?
Our race is based in Longwood, Enfield, Co Meath – Location & course map HERE
This is and easy 30 mins drive from M50 & M7 and 50 Mins from Athlone
PLEASE Carpool to Access Priority Parking
Cars with only 1 person will park furthest from Race HQ/ Start & Finish
Driving Directions to Longwood are HERE
From South & East access is via Enfield (Via M4 or R148) – Go west from Enfield for ~3km on R148 (Direction Kinnegad) & take right turn for Longwood (5km)
Turn left at roundabout entering village and follow signs to parking and race sign on
From West go towards Enfield on R148 from Kinnegad ( Exit M4 or M6 motorways at Kinnegad)
Take left turn at big white house ~3km after Clonard and follow road to Longwood.village
Follow signs to parking and race sign on
From North approach Longwood from Navan / Trim on R160
Go straight at roundabout entering village and follow signs to parking and race sign on
What is the route for the 2018 Irish 3/4 Marathon?
Route for the 2017 Irish 3/4 Marathon was as shown HERE
In 2018 we plan to slightly alter the start of the event to aid race and traffic management.
Start and finish will be within the GAA Grounds / Race HQ
Total climb over the 19.6 mile/ 31.6 km route is only ~88m which is approx 3/4 of the climb in DCM
When do I collect my race number?
Race sign-on for those pre-entered on-line will be on race day at race HQ between 8.15am and 9.30am.
Race sign-on will close promptly at 9:30am
Will there be race medals?
YES- Details of the 2018 Finisher Medal will be announced in due course
What is the 2018 Race Top?
For 2018 we are providing mens and ladies fit quality tees as detailed below
Please provide the correct size for somewhat tight fitting tops when you enter – If in doubt or if you like a loose fit then order a size bigger than normal please
You will need to take the size selected at sign-on as orders will have been made in accordance with this information provided by you at entry stage
If size is not suitable and you wish to change then this will be facilitated post sign-on subject to available stocks
We will also be providing an additional running accessory – Details will be announced shortly
Is the race distance certified?
Yes – Race distance has been measured accurately using a Jones Counter and certified by an AAI trained & accredited course measurer
Exact placement of intermediate km & mile markers is not certified and are for general information only
Will chip timing be used?
Yes, chip timing will be used to ensure accuracy of race results
Individual Split Timing will be provided at each 1/4 marathon point in Final Results
What is the entry fee?
2018 Entry Fees** are shown below
Our fees are designed to encourage early entry and gives €5 off to entry of teams of 5+ in a single booking
Up to 31/10/17 – €29/hd – All entries
From 1/11/17 -> 31/12/17 – €34/hd or €29/hd for groups of 5+
From 1/1/18 -> 31/4/18 – €39 /hd or €34/hd for groups of 5+
From 1/5/18 -> 30/07/18 – €44/hd or €39/hd for groups of 5+
From 1/8/18 Until Sold Out*! – €49/hd or €44/hd for groups of 5+
* Entry will close earlier than advertised once race limit is reached
We expect to sell out well in advance again in 2018
**Entry fees are subject to Entry Systems Provider’s booking fee
THERE WILL BE NO LATE or ENTRY ON DAY for the 2018 EVENT
Are there elite entries available?
A limited amount of elite entries will be made available – Please e-mail with your elite entry request by 18th Sept 2018
Recent half-marathon standard required for elite entry consideration is sub 70 minutes for men and sub 82 minutes for women or similar.
What happens when I enter on line?
Your credit card or laser card details will be processed and debited for the entry fee amount.
You will receive an e-mail detailing your Receipt Number.
Please bring this e-mail to race registration to collect your race number w chip attached, race top & souvenir
What is provided at race sign on?
Details for 2018 will be provided shortly but to give you an idea of previous events:
For our 2016 event you got a decent quality race tee and race socks – For 2017 you got a l/s tech top and running gloves – 2018 Details TBC
One of our key objectives is to minimise race entry fees for athletes and as a result we do not intend to provide a “goody” bag preferring to keep the costs down and the quality of the event itself up.
Do I get a refund or deferment if I can’t run?
No – Sorry, we are unable to provide a refund or deferral unless requested within 14 days of your entry (and only when requested before 15th Sept).
Can I transfer my number if I can’t run?
YES – We will permit entry transfers (1 per entry) Free of charge until 24th September 2018
You can do this at the Entry Link Information provided on your Race Entry Confirmation Mail until 24th September
On 25th September we will finalise our entry list & order our personalised race numbers so transfer requests must be received prior to that date
No deferrals to subsequent events are possible
Please don’t allow anyone else to run with your number
Allowing someone else to use your number in this manner is unfair to those who have missed out on the entry limits
It also adversely effects the results service we can provide with our timing partner particularly in relation to prizes
If you use or allow someone else to use your number in this manner then you will not be allowed to enter future events
SO PLEASE – NO NUMBER SWAPS UNLESS DONE OFFICIALLY ONLINE BY 24th Sept 2018
Where do I pick up my Race Number?
Race numbers with timing chips attached will be available for collection on the morning of the race between 8.15 and 9.30 at Race HQ.
Enter by 24th* September 2018 to get a race number with your name printed on it – *unless we sell out in advance of this date as looks very likely
Will the course be marked?
The route will be very clearly marked and marshaled.
There will also be signs at each km & mile intervals FYI – These signs are not officially measured and are for information / general assistance only.
At each quarter marathon point Split Timing will be provided to give you chip timed results including 1/4 marathon splits.
Where can I leave my car key or bag?
A key drop for your vehicle will be provided so please use that if you wish and leave your bag in your car which will be parked nearby.
Items left in this area are to be labeled with your race number before handing in – We will provide labels
Although every effort will be made to keep this area secure, the race organisers will not accept responsibility for items left in this area and we recommend that you keep your vehicle key on your person if possible
Where will water stations be located & what will be provided?
Water stations will be provided at 4 locations along the route as well as the finish
The following refreshment stations are planned for the 2018 event:
Station # 1 (approx 4.5 mile/ 7.0km) – Sport Top Bottles & 150ml cups of water
Station # 2 (approx 9 mile/ 14.5km ) – Sport Top Bottles & 150ml cups of water, banana segments
Station # 3 (approx 13 mile/ 21.3km) – Sport Top Bottles & 150ml cups of water/ cordial, bananas & water melon segments & fruit cake
Station # 4 (approx 16.5 mile/ 26.7km) – Sport Top Bottles & 150ml cups of water/cordial, bananas & water rmelon, fruit cake, sweets
At the finish area there will be:- Water/ Cordial/ Fresh Fruit segments/ Fruit Cake/ Tea / Coffee
Where will the toilets be located?
Toilets will be provided at the race start/finish area.
There will also be portable toilets provided close to each refreshment station.
Are changing facilities provided?
Yes – Basic changing facilities will be provided in GAA club
Where will the First Aid stations be located?
Two first aid ambulances will be on hand for the duration of the race.
When will the results be available?
We will process results as soon as possible after race finish. The focus will be on identification of prize winners immediately after race.
We aim to have a text issued that afternoon with your provisional result.
We aim to have provisional results available online by Sunday evening
When can I find previous 3/4 Marathon results?
We have held the 3/4 Marathon between 2010 and 2015 on an undulating course near Glasson in Co Westmeath
The results from this events are available at Athlone 3/4 Marathon Results Link
Our 2016 & 2017 Results from Longwood are at: 2016 Irish 3/4 Marathon Results Here & 2017 Irish 3/4 Marathon Results HERE
Will pacemakers be used?
Our intention is to use pacemakers for the course to aid inexperienced participants use this as the ideal marathon preparation event.
Pacers will be running at approx 105% of the 3.00, 3.30, 4.00 and 4.30 Hour MARATHON Pace.
We’re pacing 5% slower than your marathon pace to make sure you don’t empty the tank on this event which should be treated as preparation race for DCM.
Pacing will be based on the following:
– 3:00 Marathon Pace Group: Planned 2:22 for 3/4 Marathon = approx. 4′ 28″ /km = approx. 7′ 13″ /mile
– 3:30 Marathon Pace Group: Planned 2:45 for 3/4 Marathon = approx. 5′ 13″ /km = approx. 8′ 24″ /mile
– 4:00 Marathon Pace Group: Planned 3:10 for 3/4 Marathon = approx. 6′ /km = approx. 9′ 40″ /mile
– 4:30 Marathon Pace Group: Planned 3:43 for 3/4 Marathon = approx. 6′ 44″ /km = approx. 10′ 50″ /mile
Please identify and join an appropriate pacing group at the race briefing at Race HQ at 9.40am
Please identify and join an appropriate pacing group at the race briefing at Race HQ at 9.40am
What prizes will be awarded?
2018 Prizes will be announced in due course including age group voucher sponsor but are value of prizes are likely to be similar to 2017
2017 Prize Details were as follows:
1st* Male & Female: €300 + commissioned prize from Crannmor Pottery
+ €100 Cash bonus for Course record
or
€200 Cash Bonus for Course & 3/4 Marathon Race Record
2nd Male & Female: €200 + commissioned prize from Crannmor Pottery
3rd Male & Female: €100 + commissioned prize from Crannmor Pottery
Current Course Records are 1h 45′ 54″ (M) & 2h 06′ 33″ (W) & 3/4 Marathon Race Records are 1h 40′ 13″ (M) & 1h 59′ 42″ (W)
2017 category prizes were:
First male and female finishers over 40, 50 and 60: €60 Amphibian King Vouchers
Second male and female finishers over 40, 50 and 60: €40 Amphibian King Vouchers
Your age category will be based on your age on race day – 1 prize per person
All Prizes are based on Gun Time / Order of crossing finish line NOT Chip time as per International Rules
Are iPods and MP3 players banned?
We strongly request that you do not use personal music devices for safety of you, other participants and other road users
This is not something we can actively monitor and we appreciate your co-operation to maximise race safety.
Is there a race cut off time?
Yes – The full course will officially close after 4 1/2 hours in 2018
We will allow maximum of 1hr 30′ for each section (1/4 marathon) of the course to be completed.
i.e. You must have passed the first 1/4 marathon point by 11.30 and the 1/2 marathon point by 13.00
This is sufficient time for someone to walk the course at a 6 hour marathon pace, so we feel this is appropriate in balancing the needs of participants, marshals and residents along the route.
Walkers are very welcome to participate if they are confident of meeting these cut-off times.
Race signage, refreshment stations, marshals and timing equipment will be removed in accordance with this schedule.
Who is organising the event?
Paul Mahon of Outfront Events is the main 2018 race organiser.
His track record in this 3/4 marathon and many other events organised under the Outfront and Multisport Adventure Ireland banners since 2010 are testament to the quality you can expect in 2018
Who can I contact for further help?
Please check these FAQs and the rest of the website for the answer to your query
For urgent matters e-mail: info@outfont.ie